Bill Cosby Could Spend The Rest Of His Life In Prison After Guilty Verdict

Veteran US actor's spectacular downfall

2018-04-26T22:29:16Z

He was once considered 'America's Dad', and now veteran actor and comedian Bill Cosby could spend the rest of his life behind bars, after the 80-year-old was found guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent sexual assault.

The jury took about 15 hours to convict the entertainer in a retrial, over the drugging and sexual assault of Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his Pennsylvania home back in 2004. The conviction comes about 10 months after jurors on Cosby's first trial were deadlocked on a verdict.

The three counts each carry up to 10 years jail time, though the sentences could be served concurrently.

Cosby was released on bail until his sentencing, but authorities have taken away his passport and he must remain in his home nearby to the Philadelphia Courthouse.

Cosby's lawyer Tom Meserau was quick to announce they will be appealing the decision.

"We are very disappointed by the verdict. We don't think Mr Cosby is guilty of anything, and the fight is not over," he said.

The verdict is being recognised as the first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era, with several celebrities, including some who have made sexual misconduct allegation of their own, taking to Twitter to share their thoughts.